Dark and Darker: A Guide to Extracting
In Dark and Darker, one of the primary goals for players is to survive perilous dungeons and successfully extract to keep their valuable equipment and loot. If you don't make it out before the timer runs out or before you're killed by enemies, all your Dark and Darker Items, including rare treasures, are lost forever. This guide will walk you through the various methods of extraction, ensuring you know how to escape from the game's deadly environments intact.
Understanding Extraction in Dark and Darker
Extraction is the process of leaving a dungeon map safely before the match timer hits zero. Failing to extract means losing any Dark and Darker Items you've gathered during your adventure. There are multiple ways to escape in Dark and Darker, and it's important to know all of them to improve your chances of survival. There are five main types of escapes: Rope Escape, Stair Escape, Lift Escape, Raft Escape, and Portal Escape. Each offers a unique way out, and they become available at different times during the match.
1. Rope Escape
The Rope Escape is a commonly used extraction method that becomes available in the second half of the match. These appear as knotted blue ropes on the mini-map and can only be used once per rope. To extract using a Rope Escape, approach it and interact with the rope to begin climbing out of the dungeon.
Be mindful of your surroundings when using a Rope Escape, as you're still vulnerable to damage while climbing. Many players have lost precious Dark and Darker Gold and Dark and Darker Items by rushing to escape and getting attacked by nearby enemies. It's always a good idea to clear out mobs in the area before using this escape route.
2. Stair Escape
Another form of extraction is the Stair Escape. These appear on the mini-map as blue stairs, and they become accessible during the second half of the match when the gates that block them rise. The flanking torches next to the stairs will ignite with blue flames, signaling that the escape is open.
However, if you see an open gate with unlit torches, that particular Stair Escape has already been used by someone else, and you'll need to find another extraction point. If you're carrying valuable Dark and Darker Items and Dark and Darker Gold, it's crucial to keep moving quickly to locate an unused escape before time runs out.
3. Lift Escape
Lift Escapes are unique because they can extract multiple players at the same time, unlike the single-use Rope and Stair Escapes. Appearing as blue squares on the mini-map, Lift Escapes are particularly valuable for players looking to make an early exit with their treasure.
These extraction points are available at seemingly random times during the match, which makes them unpredictable. However, they offer a great opportunity for players who may not want to wait until the second half of the match to extract. If you've collected significant Dark and Darker Gold or found rare Dark and Darker Items early on, a Lift Escape might be the safest way to ensure you keep your loot.
4. Raft Escape
The Raft Escape works similarly to the Lift Escape and can extract multiple players at once. These appear on the mini-map as a blue boat and, like the Lift Escapes, can become available before the match's mid-point.
Raft Escapes can activate multiple times during a game, making them another viable early exit strategy. If you're part of a group and have accumulated valuable loot, using a Raft Escape can provide a team-based option for extraction, ensuring everyone gets out safely with their items.
5. Portal Escape
Perhaps the most iconic form of extraction in Dark and Darker is the Portal Escape. Three Escape Portal pedestals will emerge from the ground during the second half of the match, allowing players to interact with them and summon portals for extraction.
While Portal Escapes offer a direct route out, they don't appear on the mini-map, which can make them difficult to locate. To spot these portals, players need to be on the lookout for blue light markings on the ground that indicate where a pedestal will emerge. Diligent dungeon crawlers who take note of these markings can quickly find a portal when they need it most.
Portals are highly sought after, especially in the later stages of a match when time is running out. If you're carrying large amounts of Dark and Darker Gold or rare Dark and Darker Items, be cautious when heading toward a portal. Other players may also be aiming to use the same extraction point, and combat could ensue as everyone scrambles to escape with their loot.
Tips for Successful Extraction
Plan Ahead: Always keep track of the mini-map and familiarize yourself with potential extraction points. Knowing where Rope, Stair, Lift, Raft, or Portal Escapes are located can help you plan your route to safety.
Time Your Escape: Don't wait until the last minute to extract. If you're carrying rare Dark and Darker Items or large amounts of Dark and Darker Gold, try to leave before the timer runs too low. This ensures that you have time to handle any unforeseen obstacles, such as enemy players or mobs.
Clear Nearby Enemies: Before attempting to extract, clear out any enemies in your immediate vicinity. Taking damage during an extraction attempt could not only prevent you from escaping but also cost you all your loot.
Work with Your Team: If you're playing in a group, communicate with your teammates and decide which extraction method to aim for. Coordinating as a team increases your chances of a successful escape, especially if you're using multi-player extractions like the Lift or Raft.
Conclusion
Extracting in Dark and Darker is a critical aspect of the game, allowing you to safely leave dungeons with your hard-earned Dark and Darker Gold and valuable Dark and Darker Items. Whether you're escaping via ropes, stairs, lifts, rafts, or portals, knowing how to use each escape method effectively will give you a better chance of surviving and keeping your loot.